Dr. Corinne Tremblay-Sabatini, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, specializes in the mental health needs of older adults, addressing conditions such as late-life depression, anxiety, and cognitive disorders. Practicing at a mental health clinic within a hospital department in Squamish, BC, she is a key member of the local mental healthcare community. Her practice adheres to the high standards set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC). She focuses on diagnosing and managing mental health issues in older adults, including dementia-related behavioral symptoms, late-life depression, and anxiety, with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities associated with aging and medical comorbidities. Dr. Tremblay-Sabatini’s approach provides a supportive and respectful environment tailored to the unique needs of older patients, promoting dignity, assessment accuracy, and holistic care for late-life mental health challenges.
She holds a medical degree (MD) from Université Laval in Canada and is certified as a Geriatric Psychiatrist by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Her training and certifications ensure she is well-equipped to deliver expert mental health care tailored specifically to the geriatric population, with a deep understanding of age-related psychiatric conditions and their management.
Dr. Tremblay-Sabatini’s clinical philosophy emphasizes a holistic approach to late-life mental health, taking into account medical, psychological, and social factors. She is dedicated to working collaboratively with patients, their families, and caregivers to develop personalized treatment plans that prioritize the well-being, autonomy, and dignity of older adults. Fluent in both English and French, she is able to communicate effectively with a diverse range of patients, fostering a trusting and comfortable therapeutic relationship.
Dr. Corinne Tremblay-Sabatini provides assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of mental health conditions, including:
Geriatric Psychiatry (Mental Health in Older Adults)
- Behavioral & Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD): Non-cognitive symptoms common in dementia, such as agitation, aggression, psychosis (delusions, hallucinations), depression, anxiety, and apathy.
- Anxiety Disorders in Older Adults: Conditions like GAD, panic disorder, or phobias presenting or persisting in later life, often complicated by medical comorbidities.
- Late-Onset Psychosis / Schizophrenia: Development of psychotic symptoms or schizophrenia for the first time in older adulthood.
Mood Disorders
- Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood: Development of emotional or behavioral symptoms like sadness or hopelessness in response to an identifiable stressor occurring within 3 months of the onset of the stressor.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) with significant mood swings, irritability, depression, or anxiety in the week or two before menstruation.
Anxiety, OCD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia): Intense fear or anxiety of social situations where one might be scrutinized by others, leading to avoidance.
- Panic Disorder (with or without Agoraphobia): Recurrent, unexpected panic attacks (sudden periods of intense fear) and persistent concern about having additional attacks or their consequences.
This list is not exhaustive. Effective mental health care is highly personalized. Please consult with Dr. Corinne Tremblay-Sabatini for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.
- Individual Psychotherapy (various modalities): Offering one-on-one talk therapy tailored to individual needs, potentially incorporating elements from different therapeutic approaches (e.g., psychodynamic, CBT, supportive).
- Psychopharmacological Management & Medication Optimization: Prescribing, monitoring, and adjusting psychotropic medications (e.g., antidepressants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, stimulants) to treat various mental health disorders, focusing on efficacy, tolerability, and minimizing side effects.
- Polypharmacy Review & Medication Optimization in Geriatric Psychiatry: Careful review of medications to minimize side effects, drug interactions, and improve overall treatment outcomes in older adults with psychiatric conditions.
- Treatment of Psychotic Disorders (Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder) with Antipsychotics: Management of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders using first and second-generation antipsychotic medications, including long-acting injectables where appropriate.
- Psychodynamic Psychotherapy / Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy: Exploratory therapy focused on understanding how past experiences and unconscious patterns influence current feelings, thoughts, and behaviors.
- Supportive Psychotherapy: A therapeutic approach aimed at reducing distress, reinforcing coping mechanisms, and improving adaptive functioning through a supportive therapeutic relationship.
Note: This list provides a general overview. Treatment approaches are highly individualized. Please discuss with Dr. Tremblay-Sabatini for care relevant to your specific mental health needs.
All psychiatric services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) and relevant psychiatric care guidelines. Contact the clinic or your referring physician regarding new patient intake and referral processes.
Dr. Corinne Tremblay-Sabatini practices within a discreet mental health clinic located in an accessible area near central Squamish. The clinic is situated close to local points of interest and is easily reachable via local public transit. The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients. Parking is available at or near the clinic, with designated accessible spots to accommodate mobility needs. The welcoming atmosphere ensures a respectful and confidential setting for older adults seeking mental health care, emphasizing comfort, dignity, and holistic well-being.
- Are psychiatric consultations and treatments with Tremblay-Sabatini, a Geriatric Psychiatrist, covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC?
- Medically necessary consultations, diagnostic assessments, and medication management provided by a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist like Tremblay-Sabatini are generally covered by Medical Services Plan (MSP) in BC when a referral from a family doctor is in place. Coverage for psychotherapy services provided by a psychiatrist can vary; some provinces cover it, while others may have limitations or it may be part of hospital-based programs. Specific medications may also require special authorization or be subject to formulary restrictions. It's crucial to discuss coverage specifics for therapy or any specialized treatments with Tremblay-Sabatini's office or Medical Services Plan (MSP).
- Do I need a referral to see Tremblay-Sabatini, a Geriatric Psychiatrist?
- Yes, a referral from your family physician or another medical doctor (e.g., a pediatrician for child psychiatry, or an ER physician for urgent assessment) is almost always required to see a Geriatric Psychiatrist such as Tremblay-Sabatini for services covered by the provincial health plan. Mental health conditions often benefit from initial assessment by a primary care provider who can determine the need for specialist psychiatric care. The referral ensures coordinated care, appropriate triaging, and transfer of relevant medical history.
- When should someone consider a referral to a Psychiatrist like Tremblay-Sabatini?
- A referral to a Psychiatrist like Dr. Tremblay-Sabatini is typically considered when mental health symptoms are severe, persistent, complex, or not responding adequately to initial treatments provided by a family doctor or therapist. This can include: thoughts of suicide or self-harm; severe depression or mania; psychosis (hallucinations, delusions); debilitating anxiety or panic attacks; complex PTSD; severe OCD; suspected bipolar disorder or schizophrenia; treatment-resistant depression; or when medication management by a specialist is indicated. Psychiatrists are also consulted for diagnostic clarification and comprehensive treatment planning, especially for co-occurring conditions.
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist like Tremblay-Sabatini and a Psychologist?
- The main difference is that a Psychiatrist, like Tremblay-Sabatini, is a medical doctor (MD) who has completed medical school and then specialized residency training in psychiatry. Because they are physicians, psychiatrists can diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe and manage psychotropic medications, and provide various forms of psychotherapy. They can also order medical tests to rule out physical causes of psychiatric symptoms. A Psychologist typically has a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in psychology and is trained in psychological assessment, diagnosis, and providing psychotherapy (talk therapy). Psychologists generally cannot prescribe medication in Canada, though they often work closely with psychiatrists or family doctors who do.
- Does Tremblay-Sabatini have experience with mental health issues in older adults (geriatric psychiatry)?
- Yes, as a Geriatric Psychiatrist, Tremblay-Sabatini has specialized training and experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in older adults (typically 65+). This includes late-life depression, anxiety, psychosis, behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and managing psychiatric issues in the context of multiple medical comorbidities and polypharmacy. She understands the unique presentations and treatment considerations in this age group.
38075 2nd Avenue, Squamish Mental Health Clinic
Squamish, BC V8B 0A2
Phone: (778) 894-3200
The facility is wheelchair accessible and aims to provide a comfortable and private environment for all patients.
Dr. Tremblay-Sabatini is a licensed Geriatric Psychiatrist regulated by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) under the Health Professions Act in BC. A referral from a family physician or another medical doctor is typically required for consultations with Dr. Tremblay-Sabatini for services covered by the provincial health plan.
Verify registration with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC): https://www.cpsbc.ca/public/registrant-directory/search-result/369263/Tremblay-Sabatini%2CCorinne